The following is the list of TAC Cup players that are attending the AFL National Combine this week at Etihad Stadium.
The Combine runs from Tuesday to Friday, and will including testing each day.
Tuesday: Standing Vertical Jump/Running Jump
Wednesday: Sprint/Agility
Thursday: Shuttle Run
Friday: 3km time trial
TALL FORWARDS
Matthew Brett
Club: Murray Bushrangers
Height: 188cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 02.08.1994
“Hard working tall forward with strong hands, both on the lead or in a contested situation. Makes good decisions when in possession of the ball by either hand or foot, and applies great defensive pressure to the opposition when they have it. A very good reader of the play, he also has the ability to play at either end of the ground. Had a season high 18 disposals and 10 marks (five contested) Vs Dandenong in Round 16 of the TAC Cup.”
Michael Close
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
Height: 195cm
Weight: 82kg
DOB: 30.07.1994
“Mobile and strong marking tall forward who missed three games in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships due to injury. Has elite endurance for his size (15 plus beep test) and excellent disposals by foot. He also has the ability to play as a backup ruckman.”
Josh Scott
Club: Gippsland Power
Height: 190cm
Weight: 76kg
DOB: 08.03.1994
“A courageous tall forward with an excellent set of hands in the air. He has the ability to take it out in front on the lead or going back with the flight in a contested situation. An agile player that can also compete at ground level, his vision and game sense are very good. Played one game for Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships kicking two goals. Impacts the scoreboard regularly and this was highlighted in his season best haul of six goals in the opening round of the TAC Cup season vs the Geelong Falcons.”
James Stewart
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Height: 197cm
Weight: 82kg
DOB: 04.03.1994
“Tall forward with outstanding agility for his size. Very poised with his disposal by hand or foot and can play at either end of the ground or through the midfield. Has good game sense and natural pace. Is eligible for father/son to Collingwood, where father Craig played. Represented Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with his best game vs TAS gaining 23 possessions including 15 contested and six marks. Graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy.”
Jake Stringer
Club: Bendigo Pioneers
Height: 191cm
Weight: 91kg
DOB: 25.04.1994
“Tall forward/defender who excels one-on-one with his marking and body positioning. His kicking is both penetrating and precise, whether forward or back, and he has good speed off the mark. Thrives on the contest and tackles strongly. Overcome serious leg injury last season to play some excellent football for Bendigo Pioneers this year and represent Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.”
Mason Wood
Club: Geelong Falcons
Height: 190cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 13.09.1993
“Left footed tall forward who presents well on the lead and is strong overhead. Averaged 13 disposals for Vic Country this year in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with his best game against their arch rival, Vic Metro. Has elite endurance and work rate and is capable of playing as a wingman as well. Has clean hands, good vision and excellent awareness.”
Spencer White
Club: Western Jets
Height: 194cm
Weight: 88kg
DOB: 22.09.1994
“Quick, agile and accurate around goal on preferred left foot. Has a terrific natural leap, which can be an X-Factor with his ability to take contested marks.
TALL DEFENDERS
Tom Clurey
Club: Murray Bushrangers
Height: 193cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 23.03.1994
“A strong bodied tall defender that reads the play very well. Can shut down opposition key forwards whilst also providing good rebound from defence. Displays excellent leadership qualities, very good endurance and strong hands in the marking contest. Played all five games for Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, averaging 11.8 disposals and 3.8 Rebound 50’s.”
Aidan Corr
Club: Northern Knights
Height: 194cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 17.05.1994
“Tall defender who is extremely competitive by nature and spoils aggressively. Has good speed and agility for a tall and uses the ball well by foot to advantage. Takes a strong mark and can go forward to good effect. Injured just prior to Round 4 and 5 of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and missed the final two matches. AIS-AFL Academy member.”
Kristian Jaksch
Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Height: 194cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 07.10.1994
“Tall forward/defender who is extremely strong overhead, averaging 5.6 marks and 13 disposals for Vic Metro in NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. Kicked six goals against Tasmania in an outstanding performance and uses the ball well by foot when in defence. Makes good decisions with the ball ,shows excellent vision and is a strong spoiler.”
Tom Langdon
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Height: 189cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 10.06.1994
“Tall defender who is an excellent reader of the play across half back. Has the ability to win the ball back and make smart decisions with his disposal by either hand or foot. Played one game for Vic Metro against N.T at this year’s NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. In his 10 games at TAC Cup level he is averaging 18.5 disposals, five marks and four tackles per game.”
Lachie Plowman
Club: Calder Cannons
Height: 191cm
Weight: 86kg
DOB: 11.09.1994
“Tall defender with terrific ability to win the contested ball in the air and at ground level. Poised with the ball in his hands and makes smart decisions. Was in great form early in the year with the Australian Under 18 team and Calder before injury ruled him out of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. Made a strong return in the last fortnight with Cannons and was among their best on the weekend with 17 disposals and six marks. AIS-AFL Academy member.”
Tanner Smith
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
Height: 194cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 08.03.1994
“Tall defender who has good closing speed and reads the game extremely well coming into the opposition forward line. Makes good decisions on when to mark or spoil and provides good run from defence. Has shown ability to go forward and have an impact. Stood tall for Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships this year matching up well on the opposition’s best forward. AIS-AFL Academy member.”
MEDIUM FORWARDS
Rory Atkins
Club: Calder Cannons
D.O.B.: 12 Jul, 1994
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
Medium forward with very good agility and composure with the ball. Makes good decisions with his disposal either by hand or on his preferred left foot. Plays as a hit-up half forward who is a good overhead mark as well as being clean at ground level. Played two games for Vic Metro and is averaging 21 disposals per game at TAC Cup level. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
Taylor Garner
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
D.O.B.: 8 Jan, 1994
Height: 186cm
Weight: 77kg
Medium forward who was a real surprise packet in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with his mobility and overhead marking features. Showed good footy nous as a forward averaging 3.5 tackles and 14.8 disposals. 2012 All-Australian.
Louis Herbert
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
D.O.B.: 26 Jun, 1994
Height: 186cm
Weight: 70kg
A very athletic, lightly built forward with excellent pace as well as endurance that can play multiple roles. Regularly impacts the scoreboard and possesses a penetrating right foot kick while also displaying strong hands overhead when he competes in the air. Kicked a career best eight goals against Murray in Round 8 of the TAC Cup and also appeared in one game for Vic Country at Under-18 level.
Ben Kearns
Club: Gippsland Power
D.O.B.: 12 Nov, 1994
Height: 183cm
Weight: 73kg
Medium forward/midfielder who is very quick and clean and uses the ball well by foot. Been impressive both up forward and in midfield with three games for Vic Country averaging 16.3 disposals (eight contested) and five inside 50s.
Tim Membrey
Club: Gippsland Power
D.O.B.: 25 May, 1994
Height: 189cm
Weight: 88kg
Powerful medium forward with strong hands on the lead and a long, accurate kick for goal. Has the ability to keep his feet and rarely fumbles, showing clean hands below the knees as well as overhead.
Jason Pongracic
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
D.O.B.: 21 Apr, 1994
Height: 182cm
Weight: 86kg
Medium midfielder who is super competitive and has a good understanding of the game. Has unrelenting work ethic and a real presence around stoppages. Uses the ball well by hand and foot and is aggressive in his attack on the ball. Played for Vic Country at AFL Under-18 level in 2011 and 2012 although restricted by injury this year. Member of the AIS-AFL Academy in 2011-12.
MEDIUM DEFENDERS
Jason Ashby
Club: Oakleigh Chargers
D.O.B. : 16.05.1994
Height: 185cm
Weight: 77kg
“Hard running defender who links up well providing terrific rebound for the Chargers. Smart decision maker with and without the ball, showing himself to be sound overhead and a quality defensive spoiler. Averaged 18.2 disposals in nine TAC matches this year at 70.7 percent efficiency. ”
Cameron Banfield
Club:Sandringham Dragons
D.O.B. : 01.02.1994
Height:183cm
Weight:74kg
“Balanced and poised defender who uses the ball very well on either foot. Has excellent natural speed and tackles strongly. Averaging 17.6 disposals (40 percent contested) and three tackles in 12 TAC Cup matches this year.”
Matthew Dick
Club: Calder Cannons
D.O.B. : 03.11.1993
Height: 187cm
Weight: 86kg
“Extremely quick and team orientated defender who uses the ball well by foot. Tackles strongly and can play on taller and smaller opponents. Breaks the lines with his pace and can play midfield. Member of the Vic Metro team that won the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships playing in four matches.”
Martin Gleeson
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
D.O.B. : 25.08.1994
Height: 186cm
Weight: 69kg
“Hard running defender/wingman who has a good combination of speed and endurance. Is a composed player that uses the ball well with hand and foot. Durable type with good footy smarts. Played 16 TAC Cup matches this year averaging 14.1 disposals, four marks and two tackles. ”
Matthew Haynes
Club: Northern Knights
D.O.B. : 19.03.1994
Height: 189
Weight: 76
“Medium midfielder/defender with elite speed and agility. Breaks games open with his run and carry and can hit the scoreboard both on the run and from set shots. Strong overhead in one-on-one situations and has terrific team orientation. Averaged 15.8 disposals at 68.3 percent efficiency in NAB AFL Under-18 Championships providing consistent drive for Vic Metro. AIS-AFL Academy member.”
Jackson Macrae
Club: Oakleigh Chargers
D.O.B. : 03.08.1994
Height: 188cm
Weight: 75kg
“Versatile medium midfielder who can also go back or forward. Big improver this year and is a long left foot kick. Shows great courage in the air and at ground level in his attack on ball. Kicked six goals against Tasmania in an outstanding performance and averaged 19.4 disposals at 78.4 percent efficiency in the Under-18 Championships this year. Averaged 23 disposals ain seven TAC Cup games to date this year.”
Jake McKenzie
Club: Western Jets
D.O.B. : 12.05.1994
Height: 180cm
Weight: 72kg
“Medium defender who is extremely versatile and can play midfield or forward. Reads the play exceptionally well, makes good decisions and uses the ball efficiently. Averaged 12.2 disposals at 78.7 percent efficiency for Vic Metro. Brother Trent players for Gold Coast Suns.”
Tom Tyquin
Club: Sandringham Dragons
D.O.B. : 23.09.1994
Height: 182cm
Weight: 72kg
“Versatile type who can play mid, back and forward. Uses the ball well and a sound decision maker who played in the Dragons TAC Cup Premiership in 2011. Member of the 2012 Vic Metro team and averaged 16 disposals in 13 matches with the Dragons this year.”
Nick Vlastuin
Club: Northern Knights
D.O.B. : 19.04.1994
Height: 187cm
Weight: 83kg
“Medium midfielder/defender who attacks the ball aggressively and rarely fumbles. Strong and courageous in the air, he also excels at the stoppages. Loves the physical pressure of the game, winning contested ball and tackles strongly. Captained Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and won All-Australian honours for his work as a medium defender averaging 16.6 disposals and 4.6 marks. AIS-AFL Academy member.”
Nathan Wright
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
D.O.B. : 16.02.1994
Height: 183cm
Weight: 78kg
“Medium midfielder/defender who attacks the ball aggressively and rarely fumbles. Strong and courageous in the air, he also excels at the stoppages. Loves the physical pressure of the game, winning contested ball and tackles strongly. Averaged 14.8 disposals and was impressive in his four matches for Vic Country in this year’s Under-18 championships. AIS-AFL Academy member”
MEDIUM MIDFIELDERS
Jacob Ballard
Club : Northern Knights
D.O.B. : 26.02.1994
Height : 186cm
Weight : 82kg
“Medium midfielder with a big engine and super competitive. Can play as a rebounding defender who competes well one-on-one in marking contests and at ground level. Averaged 16.8 disposals for Vic Metro at 70.8% efficiency.”
Dominic Barry
Club : North Ballarat Rebels
D.O.B. : 07.03.1994
Height : 183cm
Weight : 78kg
“Medium midfielder with accurate left foot and excellent natural pace and endurance. His run and carry and evasiveness were features of his performances for the NT, averaging 18.4 disposals across the at NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.”
Matthew Crouch
Club : North Ballarat Rebels
D.O.B. : 21.04.1995
Height : 182cm
Weight : 72kg
“Prolific ball winning medium midfielder who excels at the stoppages with his clean hands and clever reading of the play. Averaged 19.2 disposals at 76.6% efficiency in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships this year. New member of AIS AFL Academy in 2012”
Nick Graham
Club : Gippsland Power
D.O.B. : 12.06.1994
Height : 182cm
Weight : 76kg
“Medium Midfielder who is a terrific competitor with great lateral movement and evasive ability. Strong overhead and very good by foot, he has been a prolific ball winner for Gippsland Power this year averaging 25 disposals .Can also play role up forward presenting as a target and applying good defensive pressure .”
Lachie Hunter
Club : Western Jets
D.O.B. : 13.12.1994
Height : 181cm
Weight : 78kg
“Medium midfielder with rare game sense, great agility and smartness around goals. Averaged 15.5 disposals in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and has a damaging left foot. Eligible father/son to Western Bulldogs where his father Mark played.”
Joshua Kelly
Club : Sandringham Dragons
D.O.B. : 12.02.1995
Height : 180cm
Weight : 69kg
“Composed left footed medium midfielder with rare decision making ability and neat disposal. Father Phil played 62 games with North Melbourne after winning two Sandover Medals in the WAFL. Averaged 15.8 disposals and five marks. Bottom aged player and member of AIS-AFL Academy.”
Jonathon O’Rourke
Club : Calder Cannons
D.O.B. : 21.04.1994
Height : 183cm
Weight : 75kg
“Medium midfielder who is a prolific ball winner and smart user of the ball. Runs all day and makes good decisions with the football in heavy traffic. Has good game sense and an excellent mix of speed and endurance. Classy type who averaged 18.5 disposals at 77% efficiency for Vic Metro and was rewarded with All Australian honours following the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships .Another AIS-AFL Academy graduate “
Lachie Whitfield
Club : Dandenong Stingrays
D.O.B. : 18.07.1994
Height : 184cm
Weight : 74kg
“Classy medium midfielder with rare awareness and decision-making ability complemented by skills either side with hands and feet. Is naturally gifted with speed and endurance and is strong overhead. All-Australian at NAB AFL Under-18 level in 2011 and winner of AFL Life Members Scholarship. Backed it up this year winning the Larke Medal and All-Australian honours averaging 23.2 disposals. Another player who has been through the AIS-AFL Academy.”
Oliver Wines
Club : Bendigo Pioneers
D.O.B. : 07.10.1994
Height : 185cm
Weight : 83kg
“Strong medium midfielder with a distinct hard edge that wins him contested ball, including at the stoppages. Has elite endurance and can push forward and hit the scoreboard. Ferocious tackler who is a good overhead mark and prolific ball winner. Averaged 24.2 disposals for Vic Country in thr NAB AFL Under-18 Championships this year, winning All-Australian honours. AIS-AFL Academy Graduate.”
SMALL DEFENDERS, MIDFIELDERS OR FORWARDS
Will Hams
Club: Gippsland Power
Age: 18
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 70 kg
“Small midfielder/defender that can also push forward if required. His relentless attack on the football and the opposition are a real feature of his game. Is very neat in his disposal either by hand or foot and possesses a never say die attitude. Averaged 11.5 disposals in four games for Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.”
Nathan Hrovat
Club:Northern Knights
Age: 18
Height:174 cm
Weight: 76 kg
“Dynamic small midfielder who is a prolific ball winner and great user of the footy. Averaged 25.2 disposals (10 contested) and 4.4 clearances in winning Vic Metro’s Most Valuable Player and All-Australian honours this year.”
Jake Neade
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
Age: 18
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 64 kg
“Pocket rocket midfielder/forward who attacks the ball aggressively and tackles strongly. Has terrific speed and endurance and is very creative in setting up the play. Had an outstanding NAB AFL Under-18 Championships averaging 18.4 disposals and 3.6 tackles in winning the Harrison Medal (Div 2 B&F) and All-Australian honours.”
Adam Saad
Club:Calder Cannons
Age: 18
Height: 177 cm
Weight: 73 kg
“Small defender with excellent disposal and penetration on his preferred left foot. Reads the play very well, is agile and a fantastic overhead mark. Sets up counter attacks from half back regularly and is averaging 16.1 disposals this season at TAC Cup level. In 2011 played for the World team in NAB AFL Under-16 Championships and won the Most Valuable Player award. ”
Tom Temay
Club:Sandringham Dragons
Age: 18
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 74 kg
“Small defender/midfielder who is a great competitor and is rarely beaten in a one-on-one contest. Prolific ball winner for Vic Metro averaging 18.8 disposals at 77.3 percent efficiency in NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Father Paul played 52 games for St Kilda.”
Jack Viney
Club: Oakleigh Chargers / Casey Scorpions
Age: 18
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 80 kg
“Left-footed small inside midfielder who attacks the ball with ferocity and tackles strongly. Was prominent for SA at NAB AFL Under-16 level in 2010 before shifting back to Victoria and playing for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in 2011. Signed father/son to Melbourne, where father Todd played. Played the last two NAB AFL Under-18 Championship matches for Vic Metro, this year averaging 17 disposals and four clearances.”
RUCKMEN
Joe Daniher
Club: Calder Cannons
Height: 201cm
Weight: 89kg
DOB: 04.03.94
“Left-footed tall forward/ruckman who is exceptional overhead and an accurate set shot for goal. Has rare mobility for a player of his size and can win the ball at ground level up the field. Signed father/son to Essendon, where father Anthony played. Excelled in the final game of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, taking 11 marks and kicking four goals. Won All-Australian honours. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.”
Darcy Fort
Club: Geelong Falcons
Height: 203cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 06.08.93
“Developing ruckman in his first year with the Geelong Falcons as a 19 year-old. Fiercely competitive and passionate player who can also be dangerous when pushing forward. Agile and a good decision maker. He has averaged 10 disposals, 3.5 marks, 25.9 hit-outs and 3.4 tackles in his 10 matches at TAC Cup Level.”
Sam Gilmore
Club: Northern Knights
Height: 200cm
Weight: 93kg
DOB: 26.03.93
“Strong, physical ruckman who is still learning the game after crossing from basketball. His appetite for the contest and his ability to provide his midfield team mates with first use of the ball through hit-outs are a real strength of his game. Has also shown at times that he can push forward and provide a strong target. Played all five games with the Division One Titlists Vic Metro at this year’s NAB AFL Under-18 Championships where he carried the ruck duties on his own and dominated the hit-outs on most occasions.”
Liam McBean
Club: Calder Cannons
Height: 202cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 25.08.94
“Lightly framed ruckman/key defender who can win the ball in the air and at ground level. Very agile player who is gifted athletically and makes good decisions with the football. Is an accurate shot for goal when he goes forward. Played mainly as a key defender in the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships where he’s still developing his game. Dangerous as a tall forward.AIS-AFL Academy graduate.”
Lewis Pierce
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Height: 202cm
Weight: 87kg
DOB: 16.11.94
“An exciting young ruckman with good endurance and the ability to take a nice overhead mark. Has genuine football smarts and very good game sense and awareness. His tap work is very good, as is his ability to cover the ground and provide a tall mobile target. Has shown he can also go forward on occasions and be effective. His leadership and football character are excellent. Played in four of five games for Vic Country at this year’s NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.”
Chris Prowse
Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Height: 203cm
Weight: 92kg
DOB: 26.02.93
“19 year-old ruckman that started the year in promising fashion being the number one ruckman for hit-outs in the TAC Cup before suffering a foot injury. Has since comeback and impressed with his ability to take contested marks and dominate the stoppages with his tap work. A genuine competitor who is also effective at ground level, as well as in the air. Has shown he is more than capable of pushing forward and playing out of the goal square where he has been able to kick goals. Played one game as the 23rd player with VFL team Port Melbourne in Round 21.”
Last Modified on 03/10/2012 12:07